Quintus HIP boosts ceramic bearing ball production for EV motors at Dongpu

Hot Isostatic Pressing Deemed ‘Critical’ for Product Quality by Chinese Materials Specialist

As part of its focus on the high-quality development of China's silicon nitride (Si3Ni4) materials industry, Jiangsu Dongpu Fine Ceramics Technology Co., Ltd., has installed a Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) from Quintus Technologies. The press model QIH 48 G URC® is operating on the  company’s production line for Si3Ni4 bearing balls in its manufacturing facility in Lianyungang, China.

“Our silicon nitride bearing balls will mainly serve medium- and high-end applications, especially for new energy vehicles,” says Mr. Yan Jingyi, CEO of Dongpu Fine Ceramics. “The HIP process is critical for the improvement of our product quality, and the Quintus press will help assure robust operations and consistent output.” 

According to Mathias Englund, Quintus Technologies China Country Manager, silicon nitride material systems are used in many areas where properties such as high hardness, strength, and resistance to abrasion are required. Additional advantages  include chemical compatibility, good thermal conductivity, and high electrical resistivity. 

Studies have shown that when densified by Hot Isostatic Pressing, silicon nitride  bearing balls offer unique performance benefits, such as higher fatigue load  capabilities, lower weight and higher corrosion resistance. They can also be used at higher operating temperatures and higher rotation speed compared to traditional metal bearings. 

The electrical resistivity of silicon nitride makes it especially suitable for applications here electrical isolation is needed, for example in hybrid bearings for electrical vehicles and wind turbine generators, both of which also demand ultra-high performance and longevity. 

“Compared with steel bearings, silicon nitride ceramic bearing balls used in new energy vehicles remain stable over long-term use on 400-800V drive motors due to their excellent properties such as low friction, low density, self-lubrication, light weight, and resistance to electrical corrosion,” says Mr. Yan Jingyi.

Dongpu selected the QIH 48 press equipped with Uniform Rapid Cooling (URC), the proprietary Quintus feature that combines HIP and heat treatment in a single process. Accelerated cooling under pressure improves productivity whilst ensuring optimal material properties. The press, which can operate at a temperature of up to 2000°C (3632°F) and a pressure of up to 2070 bar (30,000 psi), has a hot zone of 375 mm (14.8 inches) in diameter and 1100 mm (43.3 inches) in height. The technologically advanced system offers full digital connectivity, providing greater control over the production process and finished products.

Dongpu also elected to participate in an eight-year Quintus® Care Program to protect its investment. Quintus Care ensures flawless press operation and equipment maintenance by providing application support, high availability of spare and wear parts, and guaranteed and prioritized technical support. It also includes annual press inspections, training, and recertification of personnel to maintain and elevate their skills. 

“As the global leader in high pressure technology, Quintus has been active for a long time in the Chinese market, and we have a well-established service operation across the APAC region to support our customers,” states Johan Hjärne, who was recently 
named CEO of Quintus Technologies. “We are very pleased to work with the bright, dedicated personnel at Dongpu as they continue to advance the company’s technology and innovation capabilities.” 

“Quintus is well known for its expertise in Hot Isostatic Pressing and has many successful reference cases in the silicon nitride industry,” Mr. Yan Jingyi comments.